‘Severe Geomagnetic Storm’ May Hit Earth: Here’s What You Need to Know

After 19 years, a rare and significant solar storm warning has been issued, alerting the world to the imminent arrival of several plumes of solar material hurtling toward Earth.

These potent coronal mass ejections (CMEs), originating from the highly active sunspot AR3664, are expected to impact our planet’s atmosphere between May 10 and May 11. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch, a rare occurrence last observed in January 2005.

Geomagnetic storms of this magnitude can exert various effects on Earth, ranging from voltage control issues within power grids to disruptions in satellite operations, radio communications, and GPS navigation. Additionally, G4 storms are known to extend the visibility of the aurora borealis, often illuminating skies as far south as Alabama and northern California.

Coronal mass ejections are massive clouds of solar plasma propelled into space by the sun, often accompanied by intense solar flares emitting X-rays. Upon colliding with Earth’s magnetic field, these CMEs have the potential to trigger geomagnetic storms within our planet’s magnetosphere.

Dr. Delores Knipp, a professor of space weather research at the University of Colorado Boulder, explains that the magnetic field carried by the solar matter interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, leading to the formation of geomagnetic storms. These storms are categorized on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), with G4 storms representing the severe end of the spectrum.

Despite there being approximately 100 G4 storms within an 11-year solar cycle, only three have occurred since the onset of the current cycle in December 2019. The rarity of these events underscores the significance of the current situation, highlighting the need for preparedness and awareness among affected populations.

As humanity braces for the potential impact of these powerful solar disturbances, scientists and agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, providing essential updates and guidance to mitigate any adverse effects on critical infrastructure and communication systems.